bogeyman

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English bogey Proto-Indo-European *mon- Proto-Germanic *mann- Proto-West Germanic *mann Old English mann Middle English man Middle English -man English -man English bogeyman From bogey + -man.

1. A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories.

   “Near-synonyms: bogeyperson, bogeywoman”

   “Lay your head down child I won't let the boogeyman come Counting bodies like sheep To the rhythm of the war drums Pay no mind to the rabble Pay no mind to the rabble Head down, go to sleep To the rhythm of the war drums”

2. Any make-believe threat, especially one used to intimidate or distract; a real threat greatly exaggerated for those purposes.

   “Near-synonyms: bug-a-boo, bugaboo, chimera”

   “The bogeyman of a Halloween-candy poisoner behind every door has animated occasional moral panics against trick-or-treating.”